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Difficulty: MediumInferring Vocabulary and Idiomatic Expressions in Context

In a journalistic article analyzing the challenges faced by young entrepreneurs in the tech sector, the author notes: 'Many new founders complain that local bureaucracy continues to *poner trabas* at every stage of the registration process.' Based on the context of the article, which of the following best defines the meaning of the expression *poner trabas*?

  1. A
    To physically place locks or bonds on property
  2. B
    To grant financial subsidies or funding
  3. To create obstacles or hinder progressAnswer
  4. D
    To simplify or accelerate procedures

Answer

To create obstacles or hinder progress
The correct option correctly identifies that 'poner trabas' means to create obstacles or hinder progress. In the context of the sentence, young entrepreneurs are complaining about bureaucracy, which is typically associated with administrative hurdles and delays rather than assistance or physical constraints.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to identify the tone and the relationship between the subjects.
The text states that 'new founders complain' about 'local bureaucracy', which establishes a negative tone regarding the impact of bureaucracy on their startups.
Understanding the contextual tone helps narrow down whether the expression has a positive, negative, or neutral meaning.
2
Evaluate the target expression 'poner trabas' within the context of bureaucratic processes.
Bureaucracy is commonly associated with administrative hurdles, and 'complain' confirms that these regulations are seen as an impediment rather than a help.
This step eliminates options that suggest positive actions like providing funding or simplifying procedures.
3
Distinguish between the literal and figurative meanings of the words in the expression.
While 'trabas' literally refers to physical shackles or ties, its use here with 'bureaucracy' and 'registration process' is figurative, meaning the creation of obstacles.
This helps avoid the literal translation distractor and confirms the figurative meaning of hindering progress.

Key Concept

Inferring the meaning of idiomatic and figurative expressions in journalistic texts using contextual clues.

Alternative Method

Analyze the prefix and base of the target phrase, and look for negative sentiment verbs like 'complain' or 'obstacles' nearby in the text.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Inferring Vocabulary and Idiomatic Expressions in Context

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